Back in 2016, Javier Raya made history by becoming Spain's first openly gay athlete in competition. This brave move wasn't just a personal milestone; it was a moment that resonated deeply with athletes, fans, and LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. Javier's decision didn't just change his life—it lit a fire in him, driving his passion toward advocacy in sports.
After publicly coming out, Javier teamed up with LGBTQ+ organizations in both Madrid and Toronto, his training grounds. He worked alongside groups like Canada's Olympic Committee and other advocates pushing hard on diversity and inclusion in sports. Over time, his journey took a turn—from gliding on ice rinks, he became a champion in making sports inclusive and equitable.
Leading change: from Skate Proud's beginnings
Fast forward a bit, and in 2020, Javier started Skate Proud. This wasn't just a platform; it was a rallying cry, a space where LGBTQ+ voices in figure skating could rise and shine. The idea caught fire quickly, attracting athletes, clubs, and sports bodies around globe, setting stage a larger mission.
By 2021, Javier joined forces with International Olympic Committee's Young Leaders Programme, a four-year gig that nurtures young sports leaders. With their help, he rolled out Compete Proud, a groundbreaking platform dedicated entirely fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion—all levels, from local fields Olympic arenas.
Compete Proud got its official kickoff in June 2022, backed by revered Olympians Nikki Symmons and Matthew Mitchum. Their experience and passion have played a massive role in shaping Compete Proud's mission, helping them lead as ambassadors and founding members.
Creating safe spaces in sports
Compete Proud has a clear goal: make sure athletes from every walk life are recognized, supported, and safe their sporting worlds. This kind commitment takes relentless dedication, and since they started, Compete Proud's offered webinars, workshops, educational stuff, and inclusive programs athletes, sports bodies, and business partners. They're also building strong network athlete ambassadors boosting visibility inclusion communities.
One standout achievement Compete Proud has been its work on carving out inclusive spaces at major global events like Pride House Paris 2024 and upcoming EuroGames Lyon 2025. More than just symbol these venues vital meeting spots athletes allies—places reflect celebrate authenticity in sport.
"Sports place where everyone should feel welcome, no matter who they are," says Nikki Symmons. "I couldn't prouder back Compete Proud's goal create safe, inclusive spaces athletes everywhere."
Broadening horizons: Compete Proud and Outsports unite
Compete Proud's over moon with their Outsports partnership, a big name in LGBTQ+ sports journalism. They plan amplify stories from marginalized athletes and share insights Pride Houses other major inclusive sports gatherings. Together, they'll drive exciting online campaigns, interviews, and social stories, while keep working events, research, and advocacy work as they look toward Milano 2026 and LA 2028.
"What gets me pumped about Compete Proud how it unites voices worldwide—athletes, organizers, advocates—all chasing same dream," shares Matthew Mitchum. "We're not just tweaking sport; we're reshaping what global inclusion means."
Compete Proud's heart all about creating spaces belonging. It's about making every athlete feel cherished—not despite they are, but because who they are. With partners like Outsports, federations, and passionate folks everywhere, Compete Proud's charting course toward future every athlete can thrive compete with pride.
Follow along with Compete Proud's journey social media, and keep up with inspiring LGBTQ sports stories by subscribing Outsports newsletter.
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